YAGT: OMG I love guns

[clamum]

Anyone have any experience with a Lyman No. 55 Powder Measure? I have a bunch of 30-06 rounds ready to be charged and have a bullet seated, but when I went to use the powder measure for the first time it frustrated me so much that I haven't touched my reloading stuff in over a month.

The powder measure is mounted on my press (which fucking sucks, it's loose, but I don't see how it can be tightened any further). When I first filled it, the fine and medium adjustment slides were pulled out a little bit so after I realized that, it was hard to get them closed due to the powder being in the way (I'm using IMR 4350 IIRC).

When I finally got the adjustment slides to the right place, sort of, the thing would not throw a consistent charge. It could vary up to maybe +- 6 grains above/below the target load. Something like that anyway; like I said it's been awhile since I used it. I also noticed that it was easy for the powder to hit the container I was using as a test catch/cup and go flying. Guess a funnel would help but it seems like that'd be a slow process since I'd have to hold it each time.

So does it sound like I'm doing anything wrong? Oh yeah, I did clean out the powder measure thoroughly with rubbing alcohol before I started anything. I guess my biggest complaints are:

1.) Difficulty in moving the adjustment slides closed (powder getting in the way?)

2.) Wildly (IMO) inconsistent charges

Thanks for any help (or insults, that's fine).

 

[adairusmc]

I had a lyman number 55 as well, and had the same issue with it not throwing consistent charges.

I took it apart, cleaned it, and nothing got it to be consistent again when doing heavier charges. Small charges like for 9mm seemed to be just fine. I ended up moving and could not find it, so I replaced it.

I use an electronic powder measure now, but I also have an RCBS Uniflo that stays consistent.

 

[phucheneh]

So someone tell me about SAA clones...

I have professed my want for a high quality mid-to-large frame DA revolver. Regret selling Colt OP, cannot find a comparable one for what I think is reasonable money (<$500, more on the 400 end, even). I only want it for a range gun. Now, realizing that I would shoot mostly SA and that I liked that gun for it's classic cowboy-esque shape, I was intrigued to learn there were some full size (i.e. not .22) Colt SAA ('peacemaker') clones out there.

Am considering picking up one of the the German-made EAA imports. The terribly-named 'Bounty Hunter,' which I had seen before but I think I just figured they were your typical .22 plinkers. The EAA Windicator is made by the same company and is generally well-reviewed, I believe.

http://eaacorp.com/portfolio-item/bounty-hunter/

Don't see the need for .44mag other than to deafen people. .357 seems like the best choice, since I was wanting a .38 anyhow. But .45 is appealing...for some reason, there is always long colt sitting on the shelf at Walmart. It's not the cheapest, but dammit it's always there if I want it, heh.

Anything better for <500 bucks? I think that rules out Ruger. I want to trust the EAA (...for build quality, not CS) over any of the Italians, but Uberti seems to be held is decent regard.

Oh, and does being stupid-long actually do anything for these guns? Seems like the sights aren't really good enough to make a 'long sight radius' argument, and surely a 7.5" barrel isn't really doing anything for accuracy. I personally like the look of the 6" models, but the EAA is only 7.5 or 4.5.

 

[phucheneh]

It's hard for me to look at this and say 'that's totally not worth paying $385 OTD for.' (360ish at Bud's, 25 for FFL, no tax/shipping)

 

[Prong]

Anyone have any experience with a Lyman No. 55 Powder Measure? I have a bunch of 30-06 rounds ready to be charged and have a bullet seated, but when I went to use the powder measure for the first time it frustrated me so much that I haven't touched my reloading stuff in over a month.

The powder measure is mounted on my press (which fucking sucks, it's loose, but I don't see how it can be tightened any further). When I first filled it, the fine and medium adjustment slides were pulled out a little bit so after I realized that, it was hard to get them closed due to the powder being in the way (I'm using IMR 4350 IIRC).

When I finally got the adjustment slides to the right place, sort of, the thing would not throw a consistent charge. It could vary up to maybe +- 6 grains above/below the target load. Something like that anyway; like I said it's been awhile since I used it. I also noticed that it was easy for the powder to hit the container I was using as a test catch/cup and go flying. Guess a funnel would help but it seems like that'd be a slow process since I'd have to hold it each time.

So does it sound like I'm doing anything wrong? Oh yeah, I did clean out the powder measure thoroughly with rubbing alcohol before I started anything. I guess my biggest complaints are:

1.) Difficulty in moving the adjustment slides closed (powder getting in the way?)

2.) Wildly (IMO) inconsistent charges

Thanks for any help (or insults, that's fine).

I've had the same experience with that measure. I run a RCBS Uniflow with an upgraded micrometer adjustment and it works great. With stick powders like IMR 4350 and 4831 that have long kernels, you won't be able to throw exact charges. You should be able to get within a grain of your target number.

 

[RampantAndroid]

It's hard for me to look at this and say 'that's totally not worth paying $385 OTD for.' (360ish at Bud's, 25 for FFL, no tax/shipping)

Also look at Uberti and Chiappa. My view is that you'll be fine as long as you do some homework. That gun you posted looks to have a pinned barrel, which can be a good sign if done right.

As for barrel length, realize many level action rifles shoot 44mag, 41mag and 357mag with success. .30 carbine is little more than a .30magnum out of a rifle. Don't expect it to go more than 100 yards and you're OK. The extra length equates to more speed on the bullet, less drop (or, the drop takes longer.)

Be careful with 45LC, it's not a normal powder. It's either black powder or something meant to behave like black powder in how fast it burns.

 

[MongGrel]

You all love guns cause you're compensating for being small

do ya'll even lift?


Thread crapping is not allowed. Your infraction is self-explanatory.

Perknose
Forum Director

NM ... he was jumped.


Also so were you so do not copy members infractions...

AT Moderator
Bartman39

------------------------------------------

What you just did makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.

 

[Pocatello]

Customizing your 10/22 can be a very expensive hobby. Many folks spend more than a grand on their 10/22.

I meant to say hobby

 

[MongGrel]

You can possess firearms in all federal parks if you are legally allowed to do so otherwise in the state as of 2010. CCWs are good state wide.

I carry a rifle and a .45 when walking around/hiking in Montana. Bear aren't the real worry, though I would rather go down shooting than the whole "cover in fetal position" while it eats you BS.

I posted a picture in the hiking thread of last summer when me and the GF were out in the MT woods on/near my family property....right after the pic was taken we rounded a corner and there was a huge mama moose and one offspring. She immediately was sizing us up and determining if we were a threat.

She could have closed the distance extremely fast if she wanted to, but I guarantee you anyone in that situation would have been extremely glad that there were two rifles and two last-stand large caliber pistols that were at the ready, just in case.

I am leaving for MT on Thursday, and will make the trek to Yellowstone and will be OCing the whole time.

if I summit anything in CO againt I will probably have to illegally carry, because they only recognize in state permits now, and I would be spending 5 days in bear county. its too bad federal wide ccw allowed didn't stick

its too bad they went nutzo post-aurora

I love Yellowstone, we went out several years ago and stayed here about 4 days, as my wife has a horse and I can ride relatively well.

We were the only ones there riding at the time, and the guide tooks us out several places he normally didn't take people as we seemed to know pretty much what we were doing. Even told us a story or too about some really crazy trails he'd heard about and hadn't tried himself.

The guide just carried bear spray, I had no sidearm with me, but I guess the place up the road from them the guides carried, it varies.

The cabins are small, but comfy, but the food was freaking excellent, even caught a good sized rainbow trout took back and they fried up for me later. They actually had people driving out from Cody just to dine there.

http://www.elephantheadlodge.com/index.html

Went to Yellowstone a couple days as I'd been there a couple times and the wife hadn't, even had the Blue Angels pass over one day playing around over head while we were in the steam pot area was pretty cool.

Then had a nice upstairs Room in Jackson Hole a couple days, was a good vacation at the time, but she was an office manager of a travel agency at the time and had a lot of connections there.

I think it has changed hands since we were there, but still.

 

[phucheneh]

I'm eyeing this Uberti pretty hard.

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/716007385

Don't think it will be there long. Only way to really get as good or better at this moment is probably a ~$500 Ruger. I'm struggling to resist them, frankly. A stainless Vaquero or Blackhawk would be pretty effin' sweet.

 

[Zargon]

I love Yellowstone, we went out several years ago and stayed here about 4 days, as my wife has a horse and I can ride relatively well.

We were the only ones there riding at the time, and the guide tooks us out several places he normally didn't take people as we seemed to know pretty much what we were doing. Even told us a story or too about some really crazy trails he'd heard about and hadn't tried himself.

The guide just carried bear spray, I had no sidearm with me, but I guess the place up the road from them the guides carried, it varies.

The cabins are small, but comfy, but the food was freaking excellent, even caught a good sized rainbow trout took back and they fried up for me later. They actually had people driving out from Cody just to dine there.

http://www.elephantheadlodge.com/index.html

Went to Yellowstone a couple days as I'd been there a couple times and the wife hadn't, even had the Blue Angels pass over one day playing around over head while we were in the steam pot area was pretty cool.

Then had a nice upstairs Room in Jackson Hole a couple days, was a good vacation at the time, but she was an office manager of a travel agency at the time and had a lot of connections there.

I think it has changed hands since we were there, but still.

that's cool, im not sure I could do it

turns out if we go atelast on CO res buddy of my brothers will be there, he better have a permit

I aint spending that much time up there without some one having a large caliber not worth it

 

[BladeVenom]

So someone tell me about SAA clones...

Anything better for <500 bucks? I think that rules out Ruger. I want to trust the EAA (...for build quality, not CS) over any of the Italians, but Uberti seems to be held is decent regard.

Do you know Cimarron's are also made by Uberti? Same with Taylor's.

 

[pontifex]

Do you know Cimarron's are also made by Uberti? Same with Taylor's.

Uberti makes the Beretta Stampede also

 

[phucheneh]

Well, I was becoming very afraid that I was gonna get antsy, shop some local stores, and end up blowing $600 on a Ruger Vanquero.

The Uberti was still on Bud's yesterday and no longer needed a $30 'membership' to buy it for $350. So this is on the way-

 

[Bartman39]

Well ended up today with a Ruger Super Redhawk 44 mag...

 

[MongGrel]

..

 

[BladeVenom]

..

 

[MongGrel]

I'd recommend you delete your post, and take the argument elsewhere.

Kind of beside the point anyways, when you quote it.

 

[Zargon]

great guys now I want a larger caliber and longer barreled wheelgun too


jerks!

 

[phucheneh]

great guys now I want a larger caliber and longer barreled wheelgun too


jerks!

Well, if you follow my trail and see how cheap German and Italian-made SAA clones are, it's not exactly unattainable. And Ruger makes some nice stuff for a relative bargain. 5-600 is not bad when you consider how good it is and how much a real Colt goes for.

But .45 Colt isn't much of a round. IIRC its muzzle energy is somewhere around a .45ACP, and comparing the two is kinda like .38sp versus 9mm- one is basically an antiquated black powder design of the same cartridge. I dunno how easy/affordable 'cowboy shooting' (underpowered) loads are, but those rounds would be nice to have.

Now, the .44 above...sweet fancy moses. Bigger round AND you can actually aim it. :awe: You're making me want a .357 Blackhawk even more (I am not the man you are, apparently. ;P).

Also, have I mentioned that Bud's is awesome? Order shipped today, will arrive tommorow at local pawn broker who does FFL's for a $25 flat fee. Finding this combination...oh man, I'm like an old person discovering Amazon.com...so many doors opened up to easy firearms shopping.

 

[phucheneh]

Shit, why do I look at Gunbroker?

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=411829115

THEY MAKE THE BLACKHAWK IN .30 CARBINE?! Why do I not already have one in my hand.

 

[RampantAndroid]

Shit, why do I look at Gunbroker?

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=411829115

THEY MAKE THE BLACKHAWK IN .30 CARBINE?! Why do I not already have one in my hand.

Not surprising...it's basically a .30 magnum round in a handgun

 

[Merad]

Well ended up today with a Ruger Super Redhawk 44 mag...

I can't get over how ugly those things are.

 

[MongGrel]

I still prefer the Ruger .357 Blackhawk myself I have, but maybe it's just me.

That thing looks pretty bulky.

But like I said earlier, prefer the .357 King Cobra over that.

 

[RampantAndroid]

I can't get over how ugly those things are.

+1

I still prefer the Ruger .357 Blackhawk myself I have, but maybe it's just me.

That thing looks pretty bulky.

But like I said earlier, prefer the .357 King Cobra over that.

Only issue with those, is that replacement parts are hard to find, as are smiths who known the guns these days. The Colt revolvers are nice, but not great as range guns anymore, if you plan to use it a lot.